Urban Outfitters Editorial Copy Director

Urban Outfitters•Philadelphia, PA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Urban Outfitters is looking for a Director of Editorial Copy to own and elevate the brand’s editorial voice and storytelling across everything we make. This role requires a rare mix of strategic and creative thinking, with expertise in copy across omnichannel retail, a strong connection to youth culture and fashion, and the ability to craft compelling stories for a fast-paced digital world. The ideal candidate is a leader who can inspire and mentor copywriters, editorial thinkers, and content strategists, balancing their craft with business objectives. This role will partner with the Senior Director of Brand Voice to implement a new vision for UO’s voice and narrative, collaborating closely with marketing, merchandising, creative, digital, PR, and other teams. The position is based in Philadelphia with a hybrid work model, offering flexibility with 2-3 days per week in the Philadelphia office. Relocation assistance is available for qualified finalists outside the region.

Requirements

8+ years in editorial leadership, content strategy, or brand publishing.
Proven experience writing retail copy across store, digital, social, app, and out-of-home campaigns.
Track record of building editorial franchises or longform platforms that drive cultural relevance.
Strong experience shaping brand point of view and cultural positioning.
Skilled at managing teams and influencing executives.
Knowledge of CMS, workflow systems, and AI/automation in editorial production.
BA in English, Journalism, Communications, or a related field (preferred, not required).

Responsibilities

Define, evolve, and champion the Urban Outfitters editorial voice, keeping it fresh, modern, and aligned with youth culture.
Support the Senior Director of Brand Voice in shaping voice, tone, and editorial POV across the brand.
Concept and write brand narrative copy for key initiatives, and review and edit team deliverables to ensure strategic and creative best practices.
Oversee the creation of dynamic, trend-driven content for campaigns, catalogs, digital marketing, site design, in-store signage, and social platforms.
Balance SEO/AEO, creative, and brand goals to roadmap longform editorial concepts that support marketing priorities.
Partner directly with creative directors, art directors, merchandising, and brand strategy teams to ensure seamless storytelling across all customer touchpoints.
Synthesize insights and data into consistent, high-impact storytelling opportunities.
Build presentations and pitch ideas to executives and cross-functional teams.
Inspire, mentor, and oversee copywriters and editorial talent, fostering their growth while meeting business goals.
Oversee workflows and review copy for tone and style consistency, implementing a clear coaching and review process.
Create verbal identity style guides, toolkits, playbooks, and standards to help the team scale their impact.
Oversee vendor and freelancer relationships, optimizing the resourcing model and assigning work.
Act as a subject matter expert in fashion, lifestyle, music, sport, and pop culture to identify strategic opportunities for the brand's voice.
Continuously monitor market and competitor trends to inform proactive, relevant storytelling.
Streamline copy processes and content libraries to enhance team efficiency.
Champion the adoption of modern AI tools, project management software, and analytics to drive efficiency and performance.